Inspired by @RedRobin's myTake (5 Animals Native to Asia), I'd like to introduce 5 animals native to the Philippines.
Great Philippine Eagle (aka Monkey-Eating Eagle)
The Philippine Eagle, also known as the Monkey-Eating Eagle or Great Philippine Eagle, is an eagle of the family Accipitridae endemic to forests in the Philippines. The Philippine Eagle's reputation of being a monkey eating bird hints at the sheer power of the animal. Being the largest eagle in the world means the Philippine eagle tends to prey on larger animals. It is known to hunt palm civets, flying lemurs and even monkeys. It has brown and white-coloured plumage, and a shaggy crest, and generally measures 86 to 102 cm in length and weighs 4.7 to 8.0 kg. It is considered the largest of the extant eagles in the world in terms of length and wing surface, with Steller's sea eagle and the harpy eagle being larger in terms of weight and bulk. Among the rarest and most powerful birds in the world, it has been declared the Philippine national bird. It is critically endangered, mainly due to massive loss of habitat resulting from deforestation in most of its range. Killing a Philippine eagle is punishable under Philippine law up to 12 years in prison and heavy fines.
Tamaraw (aka Mindoro Dwarf Buffalo)
The Tamaraw or Mindoro Dwarf Buffalo is a small hoofed mammal belonging to the family Bovidae. It is endemic to the island of Mindoro in the Philippines, and is the only endemic Philippine bovine. It is believed, however, to have once also thrived on the larger island of Luzon. The tamaraw was originally found all over Mindoro, from sea level up to the mountains, but because of human habitation, hunting, and logging, it is now restricted to only a few remote grassy plains and is now a critically endangered species.
Maya (aka Red Maya)
The term Maya refers to a folk taxon often used in the Philippines to refer to a variety of small, commonly observed passerine birds, including a number of sparrows, finches and munias. This group includes Lonchura atricapilla, specifically referred to by the common name "Mayang Pula", which was recognized as the national bird of the Philippines.
Carabao (aka Philippine Water Buffalo)
The Carabao is a swamp-type domestic water buffalo native to the Philippines. It has been declared as a national animal of the Philippines due to its aid in the First Philippine Revolution. In modern times, the Carabao's declaration as the national animal is justified by schools through its hard-working nature.
Binturong (Palawan Bearcat)
The Palawan Bearcat is a truly unique animal when it comes to its physical appearance. It has a large heavy set body with paws like a bear, growing to as long as 1.4 metres (4.6 ft). In addition to this, it has a long bushy tail – which it can use to hang from trees – coupled with a face similar to a cat.
Despite the docile nature of The Palawan Binturong, it still has long sharp claws and teeth. These could quite easily tear through flesh. Though it’s generally not a concern for those handling the creature.
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